Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki VN vs Triumph Sprint
The Kawasaki VN passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 86.6% vs 85.6%, a 1.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki VN | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.6% | 85.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.3% | 8.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.2 pts | +1.8 pts |
| Engine size | 903cc | 955cc |
| Rank among all models | #2016 of 5428 | #2333 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,682 | 20,615 |
| MOT tests analysed | 5,014 | 132,827 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | brakes |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | Kawasaki VN | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Brakes | 1.4% | 3.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.3% | 2.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.0% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 0.2% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | Kawasaki VN | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85.5% | 86.2% |
| 2019 | 87.1% | 86.1% |
| 2020 | 89.3% | 86.4% |
| 2021 | 87.7% | 86.7% |
| 2022 | 84.8% | 85.9% |
| 2023 | 85.4% | 86.4% |
| 2024 | 86.9% | 86.8% |
| 2025 | 86.5% | 86.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki VN | Triumph Sprint |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 90.1% | 90.9% |
| 10k-20k miles | 82.6% | 87.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 82.5% | 85.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 81.3% | 82.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 84.5% | 80.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 84.8% | 79.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki VN vs Triumph Sprint FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki VN or the Triumph Sprint?
The Kawasaki VN passes its MOT first time more often than the Triumph Sprint: 86.6% vs 85.6%, a 1.0-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Sprint still comes out ahead: -0.2 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki VN, +1.8 for the Triumph Sprint. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki VN fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.7% of Kawasaki VN MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (2.3%).
What does the Triumph Sprint fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.7% of Triumph Sprint MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (2.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki VN or the Triumph Sprint?
At 50k-60k miles the Kawasaki VN passes first time more often: 84.8% for the Kawasaki VN vs 79.3% for the Triumph Sprint.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.